Know Your Numbers Week

It’s Know Your Numbers week! Every year, Blood Pressure UK run a campaign that encourages us to ‘Know Your Numbers’ by getting your blood pressure checked. The flagship campaign has been running from 18-24th September this year and is the UK’s biggest blood pressure testing event and awareness week.

During this time, approximately 1,500 pressure stations are set up across the UK in the likes of pharmacies, health centres, leisure centres and workplaces, allowing over 100,000 people to get their blood pressure checked. The campaign aims to raise awareness on the benefits of knowing your numbers, encouraging people to take the necessary actions to reach and maintain a healthy blood pressure that will ultimately reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

High Blood Pressure

To check your blood pressure, two different measurements are recorded:

Systolic pressure- This is the top number and read as the level of pressure when your heart pumps blood around the body is when pressure is the highest, this is the first reading. Diastolic pressure- The level of pressure when your heart is resting before it pumps again is when pressure is the lowest.

A blood pressure of 120/80 would be considered in the normal range. Anything over 140/90 would be considered as high blood pressure.

High blood pressure or hypertension means that your blood pressure is higher than it should be. You may not experience symptoms of high blood pressure, however, if left untreated, over time your heart may become enlarged. This will put you at risk of heart failure as well as an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It is thought that as many as seven million people in the UK are at risk as a result of undiagnosed high blood pressure.

Reduce Your Blood Pressure

If your numbers are too high, there are certain steps you can take to lower your blood pressure to a healthy reading.

Reduce your salt intake- Do this by avoiding processed foods that are high in sodium and opt for natural, fresh foods instead. Drink only in moderation- Alcohol can significantly increase your blood pressure over time so it is advised to stay within the recommended limits. Exercise- It is recommended to aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week to keep your heart healthy. Eat a balanced diet- Eating 5 portions of fruit and veg per day will contain enough potassium to counter the effect of salt, helping to lower blood pressure. Lose excess weight- Being overweight can contribute to high blood pressure, by keeping your weight in the healthy range, you will avoid excess strain being put on your heart.

By making these healthy lifestyle changes, you are likely to reduce your chances of getting high blood pressure and lower your blood pressure if it is already high.

Do You Know Your Numbers?

It is advised that everyone over 40 gets their blood pressure taken as part of a health check to assess their risk for cardiovascular disease although everyone should know their numbers.

By knowing your numbers, you are able to make necessary changes in order to maintain a healthy blood pressure. By doing this, you will reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, heart attacks, kidney failure or a stroke.

Join the conversation by letting us know if You Know Your Numbers. Comment down below or head over to our twitter page @defibshop.